September

I’ve always thought of September as the quiet before the storm. This is when the holidays begin, when you get on the roller coaster and strap in.

My mother loved September. We were out of the house and back in school. The weather began the subtle changes that were a prelude to fall, her favorite season. She could finally buy fabrics and clothes in a dozen shades of brown, gold, and orange. She baked bread and made soup. And of course she looked forward to her birthday on the last day of the month.

September is also the month for other family birthdays, including my husband’s. This year he will be 75, a milestone for anyone, but especially for a man who has been plagued by health problems these past few years. We look forward to celebrating.

Tomorrow is Labor Day, a federal holiday established in 1894 as a “national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country”. Ironic that the transformation of the day into a four-day sale event has forced millions of workers to work so the rest of us can find bargains.

And Labor Day is just the beginning. I know you are already thinking about Christmas. Some of you have already purchased some decorations and gifts. In between Labor Day and Christmas we have at least six more holidays to observe with remembrances, food, gifts, costumes, and of course, many more sales.

September is an enjoyable month for me because more birds and butterflies visit our yard. As the weather begins to cool I can work a little longer and more often. I enjoy the changes in the vegetation and the falling leaves.

Of course I can’t end my post about September and fall without recognizing the true harbinger of the season: Pumpkin Spice ____. Fill in the blank with anything you want, from yogurt to air freshener, coffee to lip gloss. It’s out there.

Take a moment this morning to relax and reflect while you can. Then you’d better get started on that holiday to-do list.